There are two options for how you ended up on this list. You either recently watched Interview with the Vampire or finished watching The Vampire Diaries for the second time, and it's still too early to rewatch it for the third time. I get it. Once we've seen a movie or show we enjoyed, we head to Google to look for more movies like the one we just watched. So now you're into supernatural stuff and vampire movies, huh? Well, dear buddy, you're in for a bloody treat.
If you are a fan of all things supernatural, no wonder why vampire films drew you in. Vampires have always fascinated us because of the mystery and the thrill of fear. However, it was our generation who started romanticizing blood-sucking creatures, because the first vampires written about in literature were never romantic. They were predators. The old vampire movies maintained a more realistic look of a monstrous, inhumane creature who doesn't belong to human society. On the other hand, in the new vampire movies, vampires are portrayed as more humane than monstrous, attractive, and capable of suppressing their animal instincts and nature.
The ‘80s and the ‘90s were when the best vampire movies saw daylight (luckily, the vampires themselves didn't). The Lost Boys, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Interview with the Vampire... So many critical and commercial hits were released back then. Don't worry, you will see them in the list below if you aren't familiar. But, spoiler alert, we dub The Lost Boys the #1 best vampire movie.
Below, we have ranked some of the best supernatural movies featuring blood-sucking creatures, ranging from grotesque to preternaturally beautiful, from barbaric to more in touch with their emotions. Are there movies about vampires that we haven't included in the list? Or perhaps you think some films deserve to be much higher or lower in the ranking? Let us know!
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The Lost Boys
1987 | 1 hour 37 minutes | Directed by Joel Schumacher
Starring Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest
There are heaps of vampire movies, but The Lost Boys is almost always recalled with a cheeky smile on one's face. It's perhaps one of the most well-remembered movies from the 1980s. It has influenced pop culture and served as a benchmark for that era because it captures the majority of what was trendy or "fresh" at the time. It's as cool as an ‘80s movie can get without being too corny or cliché. The clothing, the bikes, and the music - everything was executed flawlessly in this film. And if you couldn't tell already, it's one of our favorites.
Interview With The Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles
1994 | 2 hours 3 minutes | Directed by Neil Jordan
Starring Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Antonio Banderas
With a cast such as the above, it's nearly impossible to go wrong. Here, Pitt deserves special recognition as he went to great lengths to portray a character torn between his intense desire for blood and his love for his own humanity. Although Brad Pitt is our second favorite vampire after Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker's Dracula, he's definitely the most gorgeous one. For those who loved the Twilight saga and other more recent vampire movies, this film is what really started it. If you love vampire movies with a touch of romance and sadness and vampires as gorgeous as Brad and Tom, you might watch this one more than once.
Bram Stoker's Dracula
1992 | 2 hours 8 minutes | Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
After seeing many Dracula adaptations, Gary Oldman's portrayal of Conde Drácula in Coppola's film is hands-down the best. Any other vampire who has dared don a cape cannot compare to Gary Oldman's dark and alluring persona. It is spooky and romantic, and one could even call it operatic. Although not an entirely faithful adaptation of the book, this is ideal if you're looking for a visually stunning, musically evocative, captivating film. A different but nonetheless great take on the Bram Stoker novel.
This is my favorite live action movie. Watching the making of gave new meaning to it, seeing how it was made was so interesting I was able to watch it for the first time even if it was the 128th. Also, Keanu's accent is not to be missed. It's also a gorgeous movie with flawless costumes.
Blade
1998 | 2 hours | Directed by Stephen Norrington
Starring Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson
Blade is an excellent adaptation of the famous comic book series of the same name. Fans of the original comics will notice that the directors captured Blade's character pretty much spot-on. And as for Wesley Snipes, he played Blade's part flawlessly, as if his life depended on it. Overall, the film is an exhilarating thrill ride filled with action and amazing stunts. And FYI, someone should check your pulse if the opening scene doesn't get your adrenaline pumping.
Amazing film, I think Wesley Snipes is the epitome of Blade, casting at it's best
Nosferatu
Underworld
2003 | 2 hours 1 minute | Directed by Len Wiseman
Starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly
Not your typical horror movie. Underworld tells the tale of a secret war between vampires and werewolves, or as they call them in the film, lycans. The first film in the franchise (spoiler alert, there are five, with the sixth one in the making) has a compelling cast, an atmosphere that oozes, and stunning special effects that a contemporary viewer would still appreciate. So if you have the time and the mental preparation to binge-watch the entire Underworld series in a single night, check the movie out.
Why would you say 'Not your typical horror movie' and then immediately follow with 'war between vampires and werewolves'?
30 Days Of Night
2007 | 1 hour 53 minutes | Directed by David Slade
Starring Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston
In addition to being better written, directed, and performed than your typical horror movie, 30 Days of Night is also incredibly gory. Decapitation enthusiasts will be pleased. The way it takes its violence and action so seriously is also refreshing. The plot has flaws, and there is no honest attempt to establish a vampire mythos. But that's okay because it adds to the film's grimy, visceral atmosphere.
Fright Night (1985)
1985 | 1 hour 46 minutes | Directed by Tom Holland
Starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse
The movie is about a young boy, Charlie Brewster, who unintentionally learns that Jerry Dandrige, his new neighbor, is a vampire. Then, Charlie and his friends set out to kill him. However, Mr. Dandridge is not a softy and poses a bigger threat to the boys than they do to him. The performances and sense of humor in Fright Night are its strongest points. Is it the best vampire movie ever? No, but a whole lot better than many of the competitors. Nonetheless, it's definitely satisfying, enjoyable, and worth giving a watch.
From Dusk Till Dawn
1996 | 1 hour 48 minutes | Directed by Robert Rodriguez
Starring Harvey Keitel, George Clooney, Juliette Lewis
There is no element of surprise in the movie. You get exactly what Quentin Tarantino and director Robert Rodriguez promised: a hard-buttocked road movie that erupts into a bloody "B" horror movie gore fest. The acting is excellent, and George Clooney, who plays the mature older brother who must care for his psychotic younger brother, carries the film. This movie is pure gold for gore fans, and you'll never catch a dull moment in this film. Its purpose is purely for entertainment, which it accomplishes to the notch.
Salem's Lot
Wonder if I can get Salems lot on Netflix. I always wanted to watch it.
Dracula
What We Do In The Shadows
Van Helsing
2004 | 2 hours 11 minutes | Directed by Stephen Sommers
Starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh
Van Helsing has fantastic acting, action, and storytelling. It's not the kind of movie to take seriously; it's the kind to watch with friends, enjoy some popcorn, and prepare for a silly, scary, enjoyable ride. There isn't time to bash it because the pace will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the very end in this action-packed movie that people of all ages will enjoy. It might have been cheesy, and its CGI might have been a little overused, but, hell, we still loved it to bits.
Dracula Untold
Let The Right One In
Dark Shadows
Underworld: Evolution
2006 | 1 hour 46 minutes | Directed by Len Wiseman
Starring Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy
If you're planning to watch this film, you likely liked the first one and want to see more. This action-packed movie features nonstop action, a thrilling ride, spectacular fighting, graphic violence, brief nudity, and a mild sex scene. In other words, you'll like Underworld: Evolution as much as you liked Underworld because it delivers all of the aforementioned in spades. While it won't stick in your memory long after it's over, this movie is still a lot of fun to watch, and we highly recommend it to horror and action fans.
Blade II
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans
Queen Of The Damned
Nosferatu The Vampyre
London After Midnight
YYEESSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE this movie! Too bad it was mostly destroyed, but Lon Chaney, Sr. did such a great job on his makeup and costume, as usual. That man was an absolute legend! Easily my favorite actor of all time. Fun fact: Lon Chaney, Sr. was the #1 choice for the original Dracula character, but, sadly died in 1930 so the role went to Bela Lugosi instead.
Daybreakers
Dracula: Prince Of Darkness
The one and only brilliant Vampire movie, Christopher Lee as the Count and Peter Cushing as Helsing, it may seem cheesy now but both actors were RSC members and the acting showed
Only Lovers Left Alive
The Hunger
Great film, David Bowie and Susan Sarandon, good film with one of the best operatic arias out there 'Lakme' by Delibes
Love At First Bite
Underworld: Awakening
The Night Stalker
Shadow Of The Vampire
Scars Of Dracula
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
The Fearless Vampire Killers
I Am Legend
Dracula: Dead And Loving It
Taste The Blood Of Dracula
Dracula
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
Cronos
I was hoping this was going to be included. Guillermo del Toro's magnificent debut!
Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Blade: Trinity
Awesome film, for me Wesley Snipes was as fabulous as he was in Blade 1 and 2
Lifeforce
Bordello Of Blood
Let Me In
I've always felt Chloë Grace would be perfect for any kind of horror movie, no idea why.
Once Bitten
Vampire In Brooklyn
Near Dark (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093605/) was better than half the movies on this list.
Near Dark (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093605/) was better than half the movies on this list.